HSPT (High School Placement Test) is a standardized test that is commonly used by Catholic high schools for the purpose of admissions. Given the high competition, it is important to score well on the HSPT so you can get admission into the school of your choice. 

The standard HSPT has a set of five standard subtests and may take around two and a half hours. The paper has a multiple choice test pattern and is done with a pencil on paper. The test has a total of 298 questions that cover various aspects, including quantitative skills, verbal skills, language skills, reading, and mathematics. Schools may also have elective Catholic religion and science-based subtests that comprise forty questions each.

The HSPT is regarded as the most significant criterion used by Catholic High Schools for determining acceptance, particularly for the top most competitive schools. Its importance can be compared to the significance of SAT scores for college acceptance. Besides the HSPT score, other factors that high schools consider for admission include: 

• The standardized test scores for seventh and eighth grades
• Students’ middle school grades
• Middle schools attended by the students
• Letter of recommendation
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Personal statement/application essay

There are five subtests in HSPT. Their domains include

• Verbal skills- logic, synonyms and antonyms, analogies, verbal classifications, logic
• Quantitative skills- number manipulation, number skills, geometric and non-geometric comparisons
• Reading- vocabulary, words in context, reading comprehension
• Language skills- spelling, composition, and usage
• Mathematics- problem solving and concepts

The HSPT exam is scored according to a scale format- generally, the highest score is 800, while the lowest score is 200. However, please note that each school may have a varying set score that is considered to be a passing score.

You can take the HSPT only one time. As per the STS website, if you attempt the HSPT more than once, your lower score is considered for the purpose of placement.

When you opt for our HSPT prep classes, you stand to gain in many ways. 

• Our preparatory program equips you with the requisite skills and knowledge to approach the HSPT with confidence since you will be equipped with all the skills you need to ace the test. 
• We adopt a personalized approach for our students and have perfected our methods over the years, leading to exemplary results. It is why we have a 98% admission success rate for our students. 
• When you enroll with us, you acquire skills that will not only help you ace HSPT but also prepare you for further future standardized tests, and you will enjoy academic success in high school as well.

At Hillview Prep, we offer a comprehensive HSPT prep course that is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their test. Our program is suited for various learning styles and includes

Expert instructional methodology- Our experienced instructors will provide you with guidance for all the five sections of HSPT.

Smart scouring system-We use a unique tool for assessing your strengths and weaknesses. It enables us to personalize your learning approach and helps you get maximum scores.

Test attempt strategies- We offer valuable techniques to enable you to manage your time effectively, tackle different types of questions with ease and confidence, and reduce your anxiety.

While there is no definite starting point for preparing for HSPT, there are some factors you must consider when making that decision.

• Application deadline- Various Catholic high schools have different application deadlines, so it is important to check for the schools you are interested in applying to. Knowing these deadlines will give you a general timeframe for when you should start preparing.
• Your familiarity with standardized tests– If you are new to tests like HSPT or feel anxious about them, it may help to start preparing for them earlier and familiarize yourself with the test format and ways to attempt the test effectively.
• Your learning pace-Some individuals take time to build their skills and knowledge in a slow and steady manner, while others prefer intensive preps much closer to the test date.

That said, experts recommend you start preparing at least a couple of months before the expected HSPT test date. This duration should provide you with sufficient time for preparation without feeling too overwhelmed.